Windsor off to strong start at Memorial Cup

The Windsor Spitfires breezed through the opening game of their Memorial Cup title defense. They hope to keep that momentum going Monday versus the WHL's Calgary Hitmen (8 p.m., NHL Network).

On Friday, the Spitfires received two goals and an assist from center Adam Henrique to thrash the host Brandon Wheat Kings, 9-3. Windsor, who beat Kelowna (WHL) last year for the franchise’s first Memorial Cup crown, built an 8-0 lead by the second period.

Henrique, the Devils’ fourth choice, 82nd overall, in 2008, entered the Memorial Cup tournamant on the heels of a stellar performance in the OHL playoffs. He tied for the league lead with 20 postseason goals and was named playoff MVP. The Spitfires are captained by Devils defensive prospect Harry Young, New Jersey’s eighth choice, 202nd overall, in 2008.

Brandon defenseman Alexander Urbom, the Devils’ third choice, 73rd overall, in 2009, is a plus-3 through two games. The Wheat Kings rebounded from Friday’s loss to top the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), 4-0, on Sunday.

The MasterCard Memorial Cup is an annual four-team tournament that features the champions of the three major junior hockey leagues plus a team from the host city.